Climate change poses significant challenges to the Pacific region, characterized by its unique geography, fragile ecosystems, and vulnerable island nations. The impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, increased frequency, and intensity of extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns, have far-reaching consequences for the environment, communities, and economies. In this context, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) can be a powerful tool to evaluate the potential environmental effects of development projects, ensuring sustainable and resilient practices.
Traditionally, EIAs have focused on assessing the direct impacts of proposed projects on the environment. However, climate change introduces additional complexities that must be considered to make informed decisions. Adverse effects should - alongside potential benefits - therefore be explicitly considered in decision making both at the project level but also in proposed policies, plans, and programmes. The integration of climate change impacts and adaptation measures in the EIA process is imperative to identify and address potential risks, enhance resilience, and foster sustainable planning and development in the Pacific.
Recognizing the urgency and importance of addressing these challenges, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), as the leading regional organization for environmental management and conservation, has and continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration, providing technical assistance, and building capacity among Pacific Island countries to address climate change impacts through effective planning, EIA practices. This webinar hosted by the Pacific Network for Environmental Assessment (PNEA) brings practitioner community to share best practices and case studies to better consider climate change in the EIA process.
